One thing that bugs me about the toys and music marketed to babies is that so much of it looks, feels and sounds the same. It’s not that I mind the pastel baby aesthetic, it’s just that once in a while I want something a little different for me and my baby. What I love about Carole King’s children’s album “Really Rosie” is that while babies and kids can appreciate it, it still sounds like a Carole King album. (If you haven’t listened to the grown-up-oriented “Tapestry”, you should stop whatever you’re doing right now and find a copy. Seriously.)

Throughout “Really Rosie,” we tag along on Rosie’s imaginary adventures as she meets Dracula, directs movies, creates her own cast of characters, and finds all sorts of ways to bring excitement to her day. With lyrics by Maurice Sendak (”Where the Wild Things Are”), the album never lacks for creative imagery, and Carole King provides Rosie with the perfect voice to match, filled with childlike enthusiasm and wonder at the world. Together, the words and music stand up admirably to repeated listenings. Most importantly, Pooky loves it.

You can find this album at Amazon.com, but it’s not cheap (it seems to be out of print in the US). You can also get it for much less through iTunes, although then you miss out on the cool Maurice Sendak illustrations.